Red Bulls tie reigning champion Real Salt Lake 0-0

It had all the elements of a postseason game - defense,
intensity, chippiness. Just not any scoring.

"Both teams were out for it, just like a playoff game," Real
Salt Lake captain Kyle Beckerman said. "It's as close a race as
it's been in a long time with this many teams in it, so it's
kind of like the playoffs have started already."

Real Salt Lake (14-4-10) extended its unbeaten streak to 12
games, but the defending MLS champ missed an opportunity to put
some distance between its second-place standing and third-place
FC Dallas, two points behind, by hitting posts three times
during the match.

So, too, did the Red Bulls miss a chance to all but clinch the
Eastern Conference title, as second-place Columbus now sits just
two points behind them.

Still, having clinched a playoff spot with last week's win over
Kansas City, the Red Bulls (14-8-6) considered the tie against a
team that offered a stern, physical test a plus as they try to
peak for the playoffs.

"We're right there," Red Bulls rookie defender Tim Ream said.
"If we just put our chances away and keep clean sheets
(shutouts), there's no reason we can't make a statement in the
playoffs and get to that championship game."

Red Bulls had the better of the action much of the time. Unlike
their last game against the Kansas City Wizards, when star
forward Thierry Henry barely saw the ball, he received it
consistently in the first half when coach Hans Backe moved him
out to the left wing. But his passes fell wide of their mark,
and Real defenders Robbie Russell and Jamison Olave kept him
from getting off a single shot the entire game.

Real would have to make up a four-point gap in their final two
games to overtake the Galaxy and gain home field advantage for
the quarterfinals and semifinals.

"You never know what might happen," Olave said. "L.A. might drop
a few points along the way. It's important for us that we
maintain our momentum going into the playoffs. We've got a lot
of hope left."

The Red Bulls were missing their fastest midfielder, Dane
Richards, and their starting goalkeeper, Bouna Coundoul. Both
were away on international duty, Richards with Jamaica and
Coundoul with Senegal.

Rafa Marquez, the Mexican star who missed last week with a
bruised knee, returned to stabilize the midfield.

"Teams have to watch out for us," Ream said. "Getting 11 points
in the last five games, that's a good run going into the
playoffs."